State Closes I-29 From Watertown To ND

sioux falls, sd

Interstate 29 from Watertown to the North Dakota border will close to traffic at 8 p.m. Tuesday.

South Dakota officials say blizzard conditions along that stretch make it unsafe for travelers to be on the road. Strong wind is blowing snow, creating white-out conditions with zero to near zero visibility.

The state says that stretch of Interstate 29 will remain closed until crews are able to clear it. Anyone who is caught driving on the interstate after 8 p.m. will be breaking state law. That law includes criminal penalties and a civil fine of up to $1,000 for being on a closed highway.

In addition to the interstate closure, efforts to clear state highways are also being suspended until morning or until conditions improve. Earlier in the day, state officials asked drivers to stay off the roads overnight unless it is an emergency.